Parts for your 2009 Subaru Outback-Steering bushes

2009 Subaru Outback steering bushes: what they do and when to replace them

Based on the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the BP/BL Outback (MY05–09), Subaru’s parts catalogue diagrams, and aftermarket technical guides from brands like Whiteline and SuperPro, the 2009 Subaru Outback uses steering rack mounting bushes (often just called steering bushes). They’re very much relevant to this model’s rack-and-pinion steering.

On a 2009 Outback, the steering rack is bolted to the front subframe using rubber bushes that keep the rack located while soaking up vibration. Those bushes are the quiet heroes of precise steering feel—helping the wheel self-centre, keeping the rack from shifting under load, and filtering out harshness from corrugations and potholes. When they age, compress or crack—often sped up by power steering fluid leaks—the rack can move a fraction, which the driver feels as vague steering, a light clunk on turn-in, or a tendency to tramline. Roadholding and tyre wear can suffer too.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, but it’s smart to inspect the bushes at every service or at least every 20,000 km. They deserve extra attention if the car has done more than 150,000 km, has been used on rough roads, or shows any fluid seepage around the rack. A quick driveway check: with the front raised safely, have a helper gently rock the steering wheel side to side while watching the rack. Any side-to-side rack movement in its mounts, visible splitting, or oil-soaked rubber points to tired bushes.

Replacement is straightforward for a workshop and a moderate DIY for confident home mechanics with stands. The rack is supported, the old bushes are pressed or pried out, and fresh OEM rubber or polyurethane items go in. Rubber keeps the original smoothness, polyurethane sharpens response but can add a touch more road feel and noise—great for drivers who like feedback. After refitting, the rack bolts should be torqued to Subaru FSM specs and the vehicle set back on its wheels before final nip-up. An alignment check is recommended, especially if the old bushes were badly worn.

• Watch for wandering, steering kickback, or a front-end clunk.
• Fix any power steering fluid leaks promptly—the fluid degrades rubber.
• Choose bush material (OEM rubber vs polyurethane) to match comfort vs feel.

Sorted steering bushes bring the Outback’s steering back to crisp, confident and drama-free—just how it should be for the school run or a long Kiwi/Aussie roadie.

Popular questions

Do all 2009 Subaru Outbacks have steering rack bushes?
Yes. Every BP/BL-generation 2009 Outback runs a rack-and-pinion steering gear mounted to the front subframe with rubber bushes. They’re a normal wear item and are commonly refreshed as the kilometres add up or when improving steering feel.

How can someone tell if the steering bushes are worn?
Typical signs include vague on-centre feel, tramlining, a light knock on turn-in, or the rack “shifting” when a helper rocks the wheel. Visually, split or oil-soaked rubber is a giveaway. If in doubt, a workshop can confirm with the car on a hoist.

Should they pick rubber or polyurethane replacement bushes?
OEM-style rubber keeps cabin refinement and is ideal for daily use. Polyurethane adds sharper response and better rack location, which enthusiasts love, but it can pass a little more vibration. Either way, correct installation and an alignment check are key.